NCJ Number
40317
Date Published
1976
Length
104 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRUCTURE AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PRESENT NORTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COUNSEL SYSTEM AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PILOT APPELLATE DEFENDER SYSTEM.
Abstract
IN ADDITION, THE CONSULTANT TEAM WAS CONCERNED WITH DETERMINING THE INDIGENCY RATE AS IT EXISTS IN THE CLIENT COMMUNITY. EVALUATION WAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE USE OF INTERVIEWS, STATISTICAL SURVEYS, AND ON-SITE VISITS. THE PILOT SYSTEM IS TO PROVIDE QUALITY REPRESENTATION TO INDIGENT APPELLANTS IN CRIMINAL, JUVENILE, AND MENTAL COMMITMENT APPEALS. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES INCLUDE: THAT APPELLATE REPRESENTATION BE EXTENDED TO 50 PERCENT OF ALL INDIGENT CRIMINAL APPEALS; THAT A STATE SPONSORED NONPROFIT CORPORATION DIRECTED BY A BOARD OF PRACTICING ATTORNEYS EFFECTUATE THE PROGRAM; THAT AN INDEPENDENT ADVISORY COMMISSION BE ESTABLISHED; THAT APPELLATE DEFENDERS AND ASSIGNED COUNSEL RECEIVE ADEQUATE COMPENSATION; THAT DEFENDERS HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE LOAD AND NATURE OF CASEWORK; AND THAT ONGOING INTERNAL EVALUATIONS BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE OFFICE OF THE APPELLATE DEFENDER. APPENDIXES INCLUDE REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CORRESPONDENCE, A LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED, CONSULTANT RESUMES, RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GOALS, A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED LIBRARY FOR THE APPELLATE DEFENDER, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF OTHER STATES' DEFENDER PROGRAMS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...TWH